Stir Us - ELCA Resource Repository Resource Repository... · One minister, after each baptism,...

Stir Us

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No one is born a Christian. We become Christian. With the water of Baptism and the power ofthe Word, we are marked as disciples and become members of the family of God. God

declares us to be God’s sons and daughters and therefore, brothers and sisters in Christ. In theservice of Baptism, a relationship is established connecting us with God and the church. Our jour-

ney of Christian discipleship begins. It takes time to learn how to be a disciple--a lifetime. It takes time to learn new

information, practice new skills, and develop new habits. It takes time to learn how to pray,study, worship, invite, encourage, serve, give--to practice the faith. Whether baptism happens atfour days, four months or 40 years, the task of the congregation is the same: instruct and nurturecandidates for baptism and to continue the lifelong process of formation. Baptism marks thebeginning of a lifelong journey of faith. The journey is shaped by participation in a caring, learn-ing, worshiping and serving congregation.

Asking to be stirred may sound like a dangerous request; it is. But it is also a faithful one. Wemay be tempted to focus on things as they seem, to let nostalgia for the past replace hope

for the future. The temptation is to forget God’s story and promises. Baptism is God’s keeping of agreat promise. God says to us in baptism: You are my chosen and beloved child; nothing can everchange that. My future is your future.

One minister, after each baptism, declares to the new Christian disciple, “We have baptizedyou and have received you into the church. God loves you and has great plans for your life. Butyou will need the rest of us to tell you the story, and from time to time, to remind you who youare, and to keep you in God’s family. We are going to specially appoint some of our members toguide you and watch over you as you grow in faith.” (William H. Willimon, Remember Who YouAre, The Upper Room Press, 1980)

The Christian educators in your congregation are those “some of our members” who areappointed to guide and watch over the baptized as they grow in faith. Sunday school teachers,baptismal sponsors, parents, pastors, and other congregational members tell and show the wayof life God has promised and makes possible. They stir the baptized, by God’s grace, to remembertheir baptism. As God’s adopted children, Christian disciples daily seek God’s power to put offthe old selfish ways of living, and to put on Jesus’ new way of life. Martin Luther says in the SmallCatechism: “(Baptism) means that the old creature (lit. “Adam”) in us should be drowned by dailysorrow and repentance, and die with all sins and evil lusts, and, in turn, a new person daily come forthand rise from death again. He will live forever before God in righteousness and purity.” This remem-bering, or use of baptism, is a continuous, lifelong process affecting every aspect of a disciple’s life.

As you prepare for another year of teaching and learning, consider responding to this question:How is God using the Christian education leaders and learning activities in your congregation tostir the baptized? What else could be done? What might deeper discipleship mean for you andyour congregation?

W h a t d o e s i t m e a n f o r G o d t o s t i r u s ?

Stir Us

Stir us to deeper discipleship

“A Christian life is nothing other than a daily baptism,once begun and ever again entered into.”

—Martin Luther in the Large Catechism

This year’s Christian Education Planning Guide is designed to supplement and carry forward theCall to Discipleship and its focus on seven faith practices (pray, study, worship, invite, encourage,serve and give). It can work as an independent resource or in conjunction with the Call toDiscipleship or Fanning the Flames materials (see below).

The Call to Discipleship and its focus on seven faith practices serves as the backdrop for this year’stheme for Christian education ministry. Hundreds of congregations in virtually every synod havebeen highlighting the Call to Discipleship since the fall of 2000, and have asked for more supportto carry this emphasis and its clear focus on faith practice into the future.

If you have not had the opportunity to work with the original Call to Discipleship materials,you will discover some core resources (Bible study, assessment tools, bulletin inserts, worshipresources, and more) you can use to enhance your planning for the 2002-2003 education year.

If you can’t locate or don’t have the original three-ring binder titled Living Faith: an ELCA-wideCall to Discipleship Congregational Planning Guide, an extra copy may be ordered by calling800/328-4648, 6-0001-1822-8, $5 plus shipping and handling. In addition, the complete guide,graphics and other resources can be accessed from the Call to Discipleship Web page:www.elca.org/init/teachthefaith/

Building on the Call to Discipleship, the 2001-2002 Christian Education Planning Guide, providesresources for congregations interested in fanning the flames of discipleship. A Rally Day programoutline, teacher installation rite, Bible presentation guide, teacher training workshop and moreare included in the resource. The printed resource is available by calling 800/328-4648 and askingfor Fanning the Flames of Discipleship 6-0001-3244-1. The cost is $2.50 plus shipping and handling.The complete resource can also be accessed at www.elca.org/eteam/2001CEProgramPlanner.

The gift of both the Call to Discipleship and the Fanning the Flames Christian Education Plannermaterials is that they are flexible and adaptable to your congregation’s needs and context. Allmaterials can be tailored in a way that will work best in your setting. They are ready to use whenyou are ready to engage them. And they can be used in conjunction with this year’s materials.

This year’s theme provides an umbrella under which you can organize all your Christian educa-tion efforts. Congregations typically use a variety of curricula and resources to meet the educa-tional needs of the different age groups and learning styles and times in their setting. Themes forSunday school, confirmation, small group ministry and adult learning can vary. An overarchingtheme like Stir us to Deeper Discipleship helps to hold all of these pieces together. The ChristianEducation Planning Guide is designed to work as an independent resource or in conjunction withthe Call to Discipleship or Fanning the Flames materials.

2 0 0 2 / 0 3 C H R I S T I A N E D U C A T I O N P L A N N I N G G U I D E4

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M U L T I - Y E A R e m p h a s i s o n d i s c i p l e s h i p

L i v i n g F a i t h : A n E L C A C a l l t o D i s c i p l e s h i p ( 2 0 0 0 t h e m e )

F a n n i n g t h e F l a m e s o f D i s c i p l e s h i p ( 2 0 0 1 t h e m e )

S t i r U s t o D e e p e r D i s c i p l e s h i p ( 2 0 0 2 t h e m e )

The above checklist is a quick look at basic preparations necessary to ensure an effective year inyour educational ministry program. To further assist you with each step listed on the clipboardabove, several online resources are available at www.elca.org/eteam/2002CEProgramPlanner.

This year’s program theme compels all who plan for Christian education intentionally to “godeeper.” The theme helps us move toward creating an environment that presents every child,youth and adult with opportunities to grow in a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ and toserve and witness as Christ’s disciples. The Holy Spirit invites us to immerse ourselves in thewaters of Baptism, making a splash that “soaks” the entire faith community, affirming discipleshipas a lifetime adventure.

5Stir us to deeper discipleshipStir us to deeper discipleship

P l a n n i n g y o u r 2 0 0 2 / 0 3 p r o g r a m y e a r

Getting startedGetting started

✔ Convene a team for evaluation and planning

✔ Assess your needs and space requirements

✔ Consider special events and emphasis

✔ Create a planning timeline and calendar

✔ Recruit teachers, assistants and helpers

✔ Order curricula and collect supplies

✔ Provide teacher orientation and training

✔ Clean and repair equipment, furniture, restrooms

✔ Plan for year-long teacher support and affirmation

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L i t a n y o f c o m m i t m e n t a n d a f f i r m a t i o n

2 0 0 2 / 0 3 C H R I S T I A N E D U C A T I O N P L A N N I N G G U I D E

As you plan for the coming year and beyond, consider the following possibilities for a deeper,fuller and transforming educational ministry,

● Make sure that prayer guides each action and decision. Make prayer the way you seek God’svision as the core for planning Christian education in your setting.

● Encourage each person in the congregation to articulate the vision for Christian education.

● Visualize the entire congregation, across generations, as a teaching and learning community.

● Seek spiritual guidance as you place careful attention on the spiritual and relational gifts ofeach teacher, leader and learner.

● Create an environment in which experiences and relationships form a foundation for faithdevelopment.

● Look for new ways for learning to happen.

● Enhance opportunities for each child, youth and adult to grow in faith-sharing skills and to seethemselves as capable of witnessing to their faith in everyday life.

● Provide training and tools to help parents and caregivers see themselves as primary nurturersof faith.

● Expect teachers and leaders to model discipleship through prayer, study, worship, service,grace-filled problem solving and conflict resolution.

● Plan learning so that persons of various ages, backgrounds and abilities can learn together.

Get your educational year off to a solid start by seeking God’s blessings and affirming thegifts and commitment of the faith community. A litany of commitment and affirmationdesigned for use during worship is found on page 7.

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Stir Us To Deeper DiscipleshipStir Us To Deeper Discipleship

“It is Jesus whom we proclaim, teaching everyone in all wisdom sothat we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil andstruggle with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me.”

—Colossians 1: 28-29

With the waters of Baptism splashing over us and the sign of thecross made on our forehead, we are marked as disciples.

Through Baptism a wondrous relationship is established, connecting uswith God and with the church. Our journey of Christian discipleshipbegins!

The journey compels us to set our heart-compass toward Christ.Along the way, our discipleship “hiking” skills are made concrete in thepractices of faith: prayer, worship, study, encouragement, inviting,serving and giving. These practices invite us to seek the same intimaterelationship the first disciples shared with their friend, teacher andLord, Jesus.

Yet, our Christian journey sometimes looks more like loitering thanthe active, awesome adventure we areoffered as disciples. As weremember who we are inBaptism, we open ourselvesto the transforming powerof the Holy Spirit. The Spiritinvites us to boldly plunge intothe fullness of life in Christ. God’sSpirit rushes in and splashes usagain and again with the watersof Baptism, stirring us to deeper discipleship!

L i t a n y o f C o m m i t m e n t a n d A f f i r m a t i o n(The pastor may invite learners to come forward to help bless

their teachers for the coming year.)

A: The following leaders have been called to teach in our midst this year:(Names are read as individuals come forward).

P: Today we recognize and bless those who have been called to the ministry of leading, teaching and guiding. The Apostle Paul tells us: “Itis Jesus whom we proclaim, teaching everyone in all wisdom so that wemay present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil and struggle withall the energy that he powerfully inspires within me”(Colossians 1:28-29).

(To the teachers) Do you accept the responsibility to use your gifts toteach the Word of God, to nurture faith and to model a Christianlifestyle?

Teachers: I accept this responsibility and ask God to help and guide me.

P: (To the parents) God has entrusted you to the care and nurture of thesechildren. Do you promise to create a Christian environment in your homean environment marked with prayer, praise and Christian practices? Doyou promise to continue your support and involvement in your child’sfaith development in this congregation in partnership with teachers andother staff?

Parents: We do, and ask God to help and guide us.

P: (To the learners) You have heard the promises made by teachers andparents regarding your faith nurture. Do you promise to come toSunday school and other learning opportunities to learn and grow withothers?

Learners: We do, and ask God to help and guide us.

P: (To the congregation) It is our privilege to affirm and support those whoare engage in the teaching ministry of this congregation and of God’skingdom in this place. Will you commit to support them throughprayer, encouragement, friendship and participation in education, worship, and service?

C: We will, and ask God to help and guide us.

P. Let us pray. Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon all those whoteach and learn. Increase our faithful prayer, study, worship and service,and help us to live and grow in your abundant love and grace. Stir usto a deeper longing for you in our lives that we may boldly bear witnessto your Word in all the world. Amen.


The 2002-2003 planner offers Christian educators something slightly different this year. Thefour event modules found on pages 10-38 provide you with complete learning experiences,

if you choose to use them exactly as printed. We expect, however, that you will want to “godeeper,” to stir up your creative educational planning with careful consideration of the needs ofyour particular congregation and community. Use the modules as a framework. Rearrange, sup-plement, combine with other learning opportunities, or pull out elements to be used in a varietyof situations.

Here are some ways these event modules might be implemented in your setting:● seasonal events marking the rhythms of the church year● a cross-generational special event learning opportunity● a mid-week program, spanning several weeks● an all-school Sunday morning event ● a part of worship● a special event to which the community is intentionally invited● suggestions for ways families might adapt the materials for at-home devotions● a larger congregational event or festival● a learning event done in partnership with another congregational committees or organiza-

tions such as stewardship, evangelism or youth ministry ● an educational offering or when children have a day off from school● an event planned and implemented with ecumenical neighbors or other Lutheran congregations

Consider pulling the elements of each module apart to be used in a variety of contexts on a particular Sunday. Use some elements in Sunday school. Other elements might enhance worship.Provide take-home suggestions for families and then invite everyone back to the church in theevening for a meal and a wrap-up of the event’s activities.

The event modules suggest learning opportunities closely related to the themes, seasons and festivals of the church year, but you need not limit their use to those special times. Be imagina-tive as you plan other ways these learning components can fit into the total ministry of your congregation.Baptismal Beginnings Rally Day/BaptismLuther’s Info Drive-thru ReformationSearchlight! EpiphanyHere Comes Jesus! Lent/Discipleship

The planning grid on page 9 is a quick and easy reference guide to help keep the planningdetails in one place. The beauty of each event module is that it calls upon many people to sharetheir gifts and interests. Involve these individuals in the planning and invite their input and ownership.

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U s i n g t h e l e a r n i n g m o d u l e s

Getting startedGetting started

E x p e r i e n t i a l l e a r n i n g i n v a r i e d c o n t e x t s

E x p e r i e n t i a l l e a r n i n g t h e w h o l e y e a r t h r o u g h

P l a n n i n g f o r e x p e r i e n t i a l l e a r n i n g

Remember that further support for these modules,including songs, craft patterns and supplementarymaterials, can be found online atwww.elca.org/eteam/2002CEProgramPlanneror by contacting 800/638-2522, ext. 2594.

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tir us to deeper discipleshipS

tir us to deeper discipleship

Christian Education Planning Grid

A c t i v i t y C o o r d i n a t o r / V o l u n t e e r s P l a n n i n g N o t e s I t e m s t o p u r c h a s e To m a k e / b o r r o w

Christian Education Planning GridEvent: Date:

T i m e l i n e

D r a m a / s k i t s

M u s i c

C e l e b r a t i o n s

P u b l i c i t y /C o m m u n i c a t i o n s

C r a f t s

C o s t u m e s

L e a r n i n g C e n t e r s

P r o p s

Use the following chart as a guide as you plan for any of the learning modules found on pages 10-38. Make photocopies for each module and share copies of thecompleted grid with other module leaders and volunteers.

Baptismal beginnings


B aptismal Beginnings is an interactive program for children, youth and adults. It is designed tostir us to deeper discipleship as we explore Baptism as the entry into discipleship. It urges us

to consider Baptism as more than an “enter on cue” event, as it nurtures our sense of identityand lifelong belonging to God’s family.

Baptismal Beginnings provides a variety of large and small group activities to help people ofall ages affirm their baptism every day as they move to enhance the faith habits or practiceshighlighted in the Call to Discipleship in their lives.

The content for this 60-90 minute program is based on the following Bible verses.

I have called you by name and you are mine (Isaiah 43:1b).

...for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were bap-tized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ (Galatians 3:26-27).

Baptismal Beginnings is designed to be used on Rally Day to celebrate the beginning of thechurch school year. The content of the event, however, is appropriate for use at any time. Thematerials may also be divided into individual devotions or activities to nurture the concept andsignificance of Baptism throughout the year.

The outline for this program consists of:● A large group presentation and celebration.

● Suggestions for craft and activity centers that will strengthen the link between Baptism and discipleship.

● “Stir Us to Deeper Discipleship at Home” reproducible sheets.

The 20-minute, large group celebration includes Scripture, songs, and a skit titled “Outta theMouths of Babes.” These activities will be most effective if it is used at the beginning of yourRally Day event.

The learning centers or “Next Step Stations” are designed to nurture a sense of continuitybetween Baptism and discipleship. Each of the five crafts and activities highlight a characteristicof baptism and/or discipleship. Description sheets for the “Next Step” craft and activity stationsinclude directions for facilitation, preparation and supplies. They are available along with otherparticipant sheets at www.elca.org/eteam/2002CEProgramPlanner.

“ N e x t S t e p ” S t a t i o n s1 Marking the Moment

2 C.O.G. + C.O.G. = F.O.G.

3 “Wash-n-Wear” Hearts

4 “Making Tracks” game for Nurturing Faith Practices

5 “On-the-Job” Training

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Module 1

Baptismal beginningsA n i n t e r g e n e r a t i o n a l r a l l y d a y p r o g r a m

The “Stir Us to Deeper Discipleship at Home” reproducible sheet on page 14 is provided to givefamilies of all shapes and sizes an additional opportunity to think about Baptism. It is designed to be a half-page “info sheet” to send home with event participants or to include in a worshipbulletin when you focus on Baptism. It includes a reference to the Augsburg Fortress Online Storeand highlights some of the resources they have available on this topic.

Time: Approximately 20 minutes

Preparation and Supplies

● Piano or other form of accompaniment

● Baptismal font

● Copies of the script for “Outta the Mouths of Babes”

● Clear craft stones

● Overhead projector and transparencies

● Copies of the “Songs and Prayers” sheets (available on-line)● Make a transparency of “What’s Next?” on the “Baptismal Beginnings Clip Art” pagewhich is available on-line along with other resources for this program atwww.elca.org/eteam/2002CEProgramPlanner.

● Display the baptism design on an overhead projector to highlight the theme of this program.There is also clip art available on pages 41-42 to highlight the theme for 2002-2003.

B a p t i s m a l B e g i n n i n g s C e l e b r a t i o n

Opening Song: “Step By Step” (Worship & Praise, page 132)

Lessons: Isaiah 43:1b, Galatians 3:26-27

Skit: “Outta the Mouths of Babes”

Song: “Faith Walkin’ People” (“Songs and Prayers” sheets)“Next Step” (“Songs and Prayers” sheets)

Sending: “Step By Step” (instrumental)


A C E L E B R A T I O N O F

Baptismal beginningsBaptismal beginnings

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S e t t i n g t h e S t a g e :Gather baby costumes. (Encourage the characters to wear night gowns or shirts and a bonnet with bottles,pacifiers and/or rattles, etc.)

Position the baptismal font in the center of your stage area. Place two stools next to it where the characters will sit.

C a s t : One male and one female youth or adult to portray two babies

S c r i p t :

Girl: Hi.

Boy: Hi there, what are you doing here? Do you come here often?

Girl: Well, I’m here to be baptized; it’s my first time how about you?

Boy: Yup, baptized. My whole family is being baptized at the same time. My mom and dad and my bigsister. The pastor said something about being washed. I just hope I don’t get soap in my eyes.

Girl: Your whole family is gettin’ baptized at the same time? Isn’t there some sort of age limit on thisbaptism thing?

Boy: Nope. Pastor said that anyone can get baptized nine days, nine years or 90 years, and once is foralways. You never even have to get a booster shot, ‘cuz it isn’t something that just happens once. Itstays with you every day in your life.

Girl: Hey, that’s a good deal. I hate those booster shots. But that “every day for the rest of your lifething,” well...there is only one thing I do every day and I thinks that I just “do” it.

Boy: Ew, I think you “doed” it too! But it’s not like THAT. Baptism affects how you live your life, ‘cordingto the pastor. Baptism means that you’re part of the God family.

Girl: Not me! I’m a Johnson. Grammom even says I looks like a Johnson!

Boy: That shows how much you knows. You can be a Johnson and a part of the God family. There arelots of people in lots of families that is part of the God family. Like the Lees and the Hernandezes,and the Schwartzendrubers, they’re all part of the God family. But they don’t all look the same. Theonly way you can tell is they got a invisible cross on their forehead.

Girl: Wow, you are pretty smart about this baptism thing. I’m just a baby, I don’t know all this stuff.

Boy: Well, I’m just a baby too. But I listened when they told my sister about being part of the God family.The pastor said that being a part of the God family means we all gots a job to do. Some of us willbe teachers, and some of us will make the coffee or Lutheran jello, and some of us will sing in thechoir or hang out in the nursery. And Pastor says my sister gets to be in something called youthgroup.

Girl: What’s youth group?

Boy: Don’t know. But that pastor seemed pretty excited about it. You know what else he/she was excitedabout?

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Skit “ O u t t a t h e M o u t h s o f B a b e s ”Skit1


Girl: What?

Boy: Study, and Serve, and Worship, and Pray, and Encourage, and Give, and Invite. We is supposed todo all these things at home and at school and at work and wherever else they take us!

Girl: Do you think we’ll remember them all? They sound pretty important.

Boy: Yup, the pastor called ‘em Faith Practices and he/she said that this church and our families andlots of other people in the God family help each other so that we can all grow up to be real livedisciples of Jesus.

Girl: Disciples?

Boy: I think that is another name for people in the God family.

Girl: Do you think that everyone in the God family is a disciple?

Boy: I don’t know!

Girl: Maybe it’s just the ones who live like that invisible cross isn’t invisible.

Boy: Shhh, I think that it’s time now. It’s going to happen.

Girl: Hey, hey, what’s that guy (lady) doing? He’s (she’s) pouring water on my head! Hey he’s (she’s)doing it again and again! Oh, here comes the cross part! I can feel it. Can you see it?

Boy: I don’t see it, but I know it’s there. Don’t worry, that’s the baptism thing! Now you is a child ofGod! Gloria Rose, child of God that’s who you are.

Girl: Yup, now he’s pouring the water on your mom. Now she’s part of the God family, too! What hap-pens next, after we becomes part of the God family?

Boy: That’s when the real fun begins! We gets to read Bible stories and pray and go to worship andsing and then we gets to go to Sunday school and learn about what it means that we are a partof the God family.

Girl: Look, look, they is done with your dad and your sister, now it’s your turn. One, two, three splash-es of water! Yeah! You’s part of the God family too! But, hey, I have one more question.

Boy: What is it?

Girl: What’s a pastor?

Boy: (Points to the pastor) That’s the one in the white sleeper without the footies!

Girl: Ohhh!

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Stir us to deeper discipleship. . .Stir us to deeper discipleship. . .. . .as we embrace our baptisms and celebrate them each day

Alittle girl asked her mother as they were leaving church one day,“Does it ever wash off?”

She went on to describe the event in the rite of Holy Baptism whenthe pastor places the sign of the cross on the person’s forehead.

“No, it never washes off,” assured her mother. “In fact, even thoughyou can’t see it, it’s our job to try to make it visible to others in thethings we say and do.”

“What’s it all supposed to mean, anyway?”

“It means that we belong to God’s family and want to live like we’reglad we do!”

“Like belonging to this church because we like it?”

“Well,” said the mom, “it’s more about God loving us so much thatGod made it possible for us to know God’s love and forgiveness in ourhearts and lives every minute of every day!”

“Do you believe it, Mom?”

“I sure do,” she said, “but I need you to help me.”

“So do I!”

Just like our initial birth-days, baptism may seem like a one timeevent. But it has a lasting effect upon our lives!

TRY THIS!!! Keep a small bowl of water on your kitchen table tomake the sign of the cross on your forehead to celebrate the mean-ing of your baptism each and every day!

Martin Luther wrote the Small Catechism tohelp parents teach the Ten Commandments, theApostles’ Creed and the Lord’s Prayer, Holy Bapt-ism and Holy Communion. Get one and see!

Celebrate and understand bapt ism

Augsburg Fortress books help you celebrate your own baptism andbring new understanding about the daily walk of faith it empowers.Visit the Online Store at www.augsburgfortress.org

For remembering and celebrating baptismWater, Come DownWalter Wangerin, Jr.A beautifully illustrated verse-story to read to young children, plusnotes about biblical roots and symbols, and ways to celebrate baptism. 0-8066-3711-0

For telling stories, passing on the faithThat Reminds MeJean Brown EittreimCreative ways to build storytelling into family life with 200 storystarters to help parents and grandparents share faith and pass on history. 0-8066-3623-8

For family prayers, rituals, celebrationsAll Through the Day, All Through the YearDavid B. BatchelderFor daytime, night times, holidays, and seasons here are ways families can renew their baptismal vows and build a rich spiritual life.0-8066-4039-1

…for in Christ Jesus you are allchildren of God through faith.

As many of you as were baptized into Christ have

clothed yourselves with Christ —Galatians 3:26-27

L uther’s Info Drive-thru is an interactive program for children, youth and adults. It is designed tostir us to deeper discipleship as we come to a clearer understanding of the fundamental

teachings of the Christian faith through a Lutheran lens. It urges us to appreciate the depth of itsbiblical insight and celebrate the many gracious gifts of faith it gives.

Luther’s Info Drive-thru provides a variety of large and small group exercises and activities tohelp us strengthen our understanding about what it means to be a Lutheran.

The content for this 60- 90 minute program is based on the following Bible verse.

But now God’s way of putting people right with himself has been revealed...God puts peopleright through their faith in Jesus Christ. God does this to all who believe in Christ, because thereis no difference at all: everyone has sinned and is far away from God’s saving presence. But bythe free gift of God’s grace all are put right with him through Christ Jesus who sets them free(Romans 3:21a, 22-24).

Luther’s Info Drive-thru is designed to be used on or around Reformation Sunday in October, butthe content of the event is appropriate for presentation at any time. The material may also bedivided into individual devotions or activities and used throughout the year. Download andreview the program in its entirety at www/elca.org/eteam/2002CEProgramPlanner and adapt itaccording to your own purpose and intent.

The outline for this program consists of:

● A large group celebration.

● Suggestions for craft and activity centers that will strengthen our Lutheran identity within the context of Christian community.


The 25-30 minute, large group celebration is referred to as Luther’s Drive-In Theater. It includesScripture, a brand new “I’m a Lutheran” song, a “Prayer for Lutherans Everywhere,” and a skittitled “The Big Race,” featuring the Lil’ Buddies from the Back Pew. A reproducible “Songs andPrayers” sheet is available on-line, along with a scripted version of the entire celebration atwww.elca.org/eteam/2002CEProgramPlanner.


Luther’s info drive-thruA n i n t e r g e n e r a t i o n a l p r o g r a m

f o r n u r t u r i n g L u t h e r a n i d e n t i t y

Luther’s info drive-thru

Module 2

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The learning centers or “Info Drive-thru Centers” highlight some of the fundamental characteris-tics of the Lutheran faith. Description sheets for the craft and activities in the “Info Drive-thruCenters” include directions for facilitation, preparation, and supplies. They are available atwww.elca.org/eteam/2002CEProgramPlanner. Participants will also have the opportunity to makesouvenir key chains to collect an actual key to symbolize the learning at each center. You will findpatterns for these designs on the Luther’s Info Drive-thru pattern sheet. The “I’m A Lutheran” InfoDrive-thru passport or coloring book is designed to guide participants through the crafts andactivity centers. It highlights the concepts identified in the “I’m a Lutheran” song with child-friendly illustrations, and provides a place to “stamp” the passport or attach a sticker at each cen-ter. You may want to have someone portray Martin Luther to give participants a brief orientationto the Info Drive-thru Centers, the passport and collection of actual “keys” to the faith.

I n f o D r i v e - t h r u C e n t e r s1 Cruisin’ thru the Trinity and the “I Believe” Creeds

2 Cruisin’ thru the Sacraments: Baptism and Communion

3 Cruisin’ thru the Bible

4 Cruisin’ with Luther

5 Cruisin’ thru Worship

The “Stir Us to Deeper Discipleship at Home” reproducible sheet on page 22 is provided to givepeople an additional opportunity to think about what it means to be a Lutheran. It is designed to be a half-page “info sheet” to send home with event participants, or to include in a worshipbulletin on or around Reformation Sunday. The sheet includes a reference to the AugsburgFortress Online Store and highlights some of the resources they have available on this topic.

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continuedL u t h e r ’ s i n f o d r i v e - t h r u

Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes

Preparation and Supplies

● Piano or other form of accompaniment

● Copies of the script for “The Big Race”

● Overhead projector and transparencies

● Poster board or newsprint

● Luther’s Info Drive-thru pattern sheet

● Copies of “Songs and Prayers” sheet, “I’m A Lutheran” song, and “I’m A Lutheran”

passport/coloring book available at www.elca.org/eteam/2002CEProgramPlanner

● Set up an overhead projector. Make an overhead transparency with words to the song “I am a C,” including the one and only original second verse (See Luther’s Drive-In Theater out-line).Trace the design of the Lutheran seal on Luther’s Info Drive-thru pattern sheet onto a transparency.

● Use newsprint or poster board to make a large seal to hang or display in the center of your stage.

● Review the script, gather the necessary accessories, and invite children, youth or adults to portray the characters as you prepare to present “The Big Race.”

L u t h e r ’s D r i v e - I n T h e a t e r C e l e b r a t i o n

Opening Song: “I am a C” (“Songs and Prayers” sheets)

Lessons: Romans 10:6-10a, 11-12, Romans 3:21a, 22-24, Philippians 3:12,14

Song: “I’m a Lutheran” (“Songs and Prayers”sheets)

Prayer: A Prayer for Lutherans Everywhere

Song: “A Mighty Fortress” (instrumental) (Lutheran Book of Worship, page 229)


A C E L E B R A T I O N O F

Luther’s Drive-in TheaterLuther’s Drive-in Theater

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S e t t i n g t h e S t a g e :Think about the personalities and whimsical wisdom of the age-old “little rascals” as you find children, youthor adults to portray the characters in “The Big Race.” The Lil’ Buddies from the Back Pew are getting readyto participate in their last box car (“soap box”) race of the season. An extended conversation about theimportance of winning and losing highlights some keys to the Lutheran faith. Arrange a pew or stools andchairs of various heights in the center of the stage or in front of your projection of the Lutheran Seal. Youmay want to make some simple box cars to stand or park alongside the Lil’ Buddies.

Paint or pin a copy of the Lutheran Seal design on blue T-shirts.

Gather a variety of hats or sweat bands, to enhance the characters’ personalities.

C a s t : Richie (Focused on Gloria, the object of his affections)Gloria (A woman with attitude)Buddy (Looks up to TJ)TJ (The leader of the Back Pew Buddies)Jeepers (A mama’s boy)

S c r i p t :Richie: OK, team, it’s our last event of the season and we have to win. If’n we don’t win, we will be lost

forever, or worsn’ that we will be in a land between winners and losers and someone else willhave to try to get us out. We don’t want that, do we team? Come on, let’s do our secret team sign!

TJ: Hey, uh, Richie, wait just a second, woudja? Is it really so important that we win? Why is it thatwe need to win so bad?

Buddy: Don’t you know, TJ, that if we don’t win this race, we’ll never earn our way in, and we will be lostforever.

Jeepers: Uh-oh, I don’t wants to be lost forever!

Richie: And if we don’t win, our sponsor may not pay our way anymore, then we will never get any moreof these fine designer-line shirts!

Gloria: But our sponsor is First Church of the Christian Protestant Lutherans! They don’t think like that!

Richie: Oh yeah? What do they think like? If we don’t earn our way, or someone else doesn’t save usfrom loosing again, we’ll never “get in.”

Jeepers: What’r we so worried about gettin’ into or kicked outta anyway?(They all stop short with a look of indignance combined with bewilderment)

Buddy: You tell ‘em TJ!

TJ: (Takes his hat off, places it over his heart, and pauses for a moment of reverent reflection) The hall ofeverlasting life and fame.

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Skit “ T h e B i g R a c e ”Skit2

f e a t u r i n g t h e L i l ‘ B u d d i e s f r o m t h e B a c k P e w


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Gloria: (Hands on her hips) Well, boys, I can tell you’ve been runnin’ on the wrong track!

Richie: Whatever are you talking about (looking with endearing eyes at her), my dear?

Gloria: You don’t even have to take one foot off the starting block to do that! I know for a fact that it’smore about WHO you know than what YOU do!”

Richie: Really now (He walks around with his hands behind him — as he continues to look endearingly ather), and WHO exactly would you be referring to?

TJ: The First Church of the Christian Protestant Lutherans is my church. It’s where my family and megoes, and the pastor ‘splained it to me like this:

Jeepers: Oh, boy... you already got my head racin’ in circles!

TJ: See the cross in the middle of our “game shirts.” That cross is to remind us of Jesus ‘n what he didfer us and everybody else fer all time!

Buddy: What’d he do, TJ?

TJ: Jesus who died for our sins. He went ahead and he took ‘em all away fer free!

Jeepers: Wow! Even mine? Ya mean, I don’t have to go around feelin’ like I’m grounded fer the rest of mylife?

Buddy: How come the cross is so black?

Gloria: ‘Cuz I know for a fact that sin is harder to get out than the oil stains you get when you’re revvin’up your engines.

Buddy: Ew! My mama hates those oil stains!

Gloria: Well, First Church of the Christian Protestant Lutherans is the church I go to, too. And I know thatthe red heart is for LOVE (Gloria makes eyes at Richie), but not the kind of love that girls get withthe cards, candy and flowers from special boys on Valentines Day. It’s a special kind of love thatGod has for us!

Richie: Wowee! That’s some kind of love! I wish I went to the First Church of the Protestant Lutherans likeyou do, Gloria!

Jeepers: What church do you go to, Richie?

Richie: It’s just called “church” and my mama said that we is Christians, but she never said nuffin’ aboutbeing Lutherans.

Gloria: Well, Richie, a Lutheran is a Christian, too. ‘Cuz a Christian means we are connected to Christ.And, I know for a fact that Jesus is the Christ they’re referring to.

Richie: Hey, we know about him at our church, too.

Buddy: So what’s a Lutheran, Gloria?

Gloria: A Lutheran is a Christian that agrees with the very fine thoughts of Martin Luther. And he didn’teven make it all up. It came di—rectly out of the New Testament of the Holy Bible.


Jeepers: Oh, yeah, I remember about him. He had a dream.

Gloria: No, Jeepers, that was Martin Luther KING JR! He was into civil rights in the 1960s. Martin Lutherwas a pastor in Germany about 500 years ago. So, boys, as you can see they practically lived indifferent lifetimes.

Buddy: A pastor? Like the one up front at our church?

TJ: Martin Luther didn’t just stand up in front of a church. (He stands proud as he makes his announce-ment) He reformationed it!

Jeepers: Whoa! If I did that at my house, I’d be in really BIG trouble!

Gloria: Boys, boys, boys, it takes a true woman to tell you what this man did! Martin Luther used to go toa church that said you had to pay for all your sins.

Richie: Gosh (pulls his empty pockets out), I’d be plum out of luck!

Gloria: But, then, one day he read a certain passage in the book of the Romans, and he realized thatJesus had already paid the price for all of them when he died on the cross for everyone for alltime! And so people weren’t supposed to be paying anyone for their own personal sins.

Jeepers: Whoa! So what did he do?

Gloria: So, he went and told the church about it and he DID get into lots of trouble, but he didn’t carecuz he knew the Bible was telling the truth!!

Jeepers: Did he get creamed?

TJ: (Picks up Jeeper’s hat and slaps it on his head) No dizzmo! He just kept on talkin’ and doin’ stuffthat got so many people wanting to hang around him that they had to start building churches allover the place to fit ‘em all in!

Gloria: He even wrote the Bible in a language regular people could read and he talked about things in away that they could understand in a little Cataclysm. That’s why he made the design that’s sofashionably placed on your shirts.

TJ: Well now, if we aren’t just about back to where we started from!!

Jeepers: OK. So I think I get the cross part, but if you aren’t talkin’ about gushy valentines, why have aheart?

TJ: Gloria was right about the red heart, it’s about love all right! It’s about God’s love for us that sentJesus right to the cross.

Gloria: (Points to the seal) I’ll do the flower part, since I enjoy getting such sweet smelling ones from you-know-who! (Gazes at Richie who turns away blushing.) The white flower stands for the trust wehave in Jesus.

Buddy: Just like we trust our guys behind the wheel.

Richie: Uh, guys, sometimes I don’t think I’m the kind of guy you should be trustin’.

TJ: That’s OK, Richie, ‘cuz you’re not Jesus. We can always trust in Jesus!

Buddy: This is all very interestin’ ‘n everything, but when are we gonna start rollin’ down the track?

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TJ: All we got left is the gold and the blue-n-green part!

Gloria: The green reminds us ‘bout growth like the leaves around a pretty white flower that a boy gives apretty girl. (Gazes at Richie again.)

TJ: (Looks at her with indignation.) Movin’ right along! The blue field is to remind us of heaven.

Jeepers: Sometimes I dreams of heaven when we’re playin’ ball ‘n I’m out in left field.

Buddy: Until the ball comes right down and knocks you on your noggin’ and tells you were not playin’ball today.

TJ: The gold ring makes us think about eternal life with God and Jesus. Like a marathon — goin’around and around and around. With no beginnin’ and no end!

Richie: That’s all real nice and stuff, TJ, but what does it all have to do with winnin’ today?

Gloria: Don’t you get it, Richie?

TJ: We don’t HAVE to win ‘cuz, Jesus— he already won the all-time victory for us.

Jeepers: Then why are we still racin’?

TJ: ‘Cuz God gave us the ability and creativity to make these fine box cars, and so we do the best wecan as a way of thankin’ God for taking the edge off our losin’ streak!

Buddy: Do you mean that whether we win or loose, we is still on God’s team?

Gloria: You are if you believe in Jesus!

TJ: Come on! It’s time to do our secrit sign. (They all spit on their pointer finger and make the sign ofthe cross on their own forehead.) Now ‘member (everyone gets in a circle with their hands joined inthe center), I say, “It’s not about a win or a race, it’s knowin’ that yer. . .

Everyone: “Saved By GRACE” (hands go up to cheer).

Buddy: Hey, TJ...who’s this Grace anyway?

TJ: She’s one of the greatest legends in the history of Our Team. She’s one of the Solie Sisters; you know,there’s a Faith, Grace and a Scripturely Solie.

Gloria: Get real, TJ!

TJ: Hey, their dad was a Lutheran Pastor ‘n when those girls played, the team was always “Saved ByGrace.”

Gloria: Yeah, right! (They all laugh and start walking off stage.)

Jeepers: I thought we weren’t into girls!

TJ: That’s another story for another day! Come on, I’ll race you to the starting block!

Buddy: Bout time! (They all run off stage.)

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A Lutheran told the following story as he shared his faith with afriend....

“Christians used to invite each other into faith conversations by tracinga fish design in the sand.

“When two people would meet in New Testament Bible times, aChris-tian would trace an arc or semi-circle on the ground in front ofthem. The other person would complete the fish design if he/she was aChristian, too.

“This was an important symbol of faith because the Greek letters for theword ’fish’ formed a powerful statement of faith: Jesus Christ, God’s Son,Our Savior.”

The friend asked, “So how would you Lutherans identify yourselvesas Christians today?”

“We’d gift-wrap the symbol,” he said, "and share it with our friends.”“Why would you do that?”“Because we believe that our faith in Jesus, God’s Son, our Savior is ours to keep, but given and received as an amazing gift from God.”

Stir us to deeper discipleship. . .Stir us to deeper discipleship. . ....as we see it through a Lutheran lens of faith

Draw a fish symbol on a card and include the statement of faith it rep-resents. Place it on your kitchen table in an envelope with a bow on it.Refer to it often at home, as you take this prayer to heart.

We offer with joy and thanksgiv-ing what you have first given us;our selves, our time and our pos-sessions, signs of God's graciouslove. Receive them for the sake ofhim who offered himself for us,Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Celebrate and understand Lutheran ident i ty

Augsburg Fortress materials to introduce you to Martin Luther and help youunderstand what it means to be a Lutheran Christian. Visit the Online Storeat www.augsburgfortress.org.

For a classic film of Luther’s lifeMartin Luther VideoFrom Martin Luther’s days as a guilt-burdened monk through his monumen-tal break with the Roman Church a video to watch and discuss with familyor church groups. 6-0000-1133-4

For prayers to study, prayers to pray Luther’s PrayersHerbert Brokering, EditorPrayer was vital to Luther’s faith. His prayers cover all aspects of life parents,children, employers, teachers, newlyweds, soldiers, sick persons and teach usabout the man and his faith, and our own faith. 0-8066-2755-7

For richly imagined dialogue with the reformerMy Conversations with Martin LutherTimothy F. LullTo better understand Martin Luther and what it means to be Lutheran, readalone or in “conversation” with a friend these imaginary conversations withLuther and learn his views on family, roles of men and women, enemies andfriends, politics and much more. 0-8066-3898-2

Searchlight is an interactive program for children, youth and adults. It is designed to stir us todeeper discipleship as we encounter the depth and creativity of God ’s love as revealed in thebirth of God ’s own Son. The story of the Wise Men is used as an entry point for considering thepower of God ’s active presence with us and the significance of following God ’s lead.

Searchlight gives people of all ages an opportunity to “join the journey” as Ali, the camelinvites them to discover the key points in the story of the Wise Men and invites them to interpretits meaning for their own lives. This program includes music, drama, crafts and activities.

The content for this 60- 90 minute program is based on the following Bible story:

The Story of the Wise MenMatthew 2:1-11

“Your light must so shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praiseyour Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Searchlight is designed to be used at the beginning of the Epiphany season or as a New Year cele-bration. It may also be divided into individual devotions or activities to complement Advent orChristmas programs or events.

The outline for this program consists of:● Two large group presentations.

● Suggestions for craft and activity centers to explore the meaning of the star and God ’s intent for those who strive to follow him.


The two occasions for large group participation include a 10-minute introduction to the themetitled “Come ’n Join the Journey” and a 20-minute “Searchlight” Celebration. They includeScripture, songs and a two-part skit titled “Ali, the Camel’s Adventure.” The Searchlight celebra-tion includes a special edition of a homemade Bingo game titled “The Big Picture Party,” arevised version of the song “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,” and “A Blessing for Those who Search.”The skit, along with a brief outline for these two presentations, is printed in this resource. TheBlessing, the Song and directions for the Bingo game are available atwww.elca.org/eteam/2002CEProgramPlanner.


SeachlightA n i n t e r g e n e r a t i o n a l p r o g r a m f o r E p i p h a n y

Seachlight

Module 3


The learning centers titled, “Adventure Centers,” include crafts and activities to enrich youradventures with Ali, as they inspire a deeper commitment and desire to follow God ’s lead in ourown lives. Description sheets for the crafts and activities at each Adventure Center include directions for facilitation and preparation, and supplies. They are available atwww.elca.org/eteam/2002CEProgramPlanner. Souvenir snapshots of the Wise Men’s journey aredesigned to be distributed at each center and collected in “Sights-to-See” picture albums, whichwill become individual game boards for the “Picture Party” Bingo game during the “Searchlight”celebration. The reproducible “Sights-to-See” album and snapshot sheets are also available atwww.elca.org/eteam/2002CEProgramPlanner.

A d v e n t u r e C e n t e r s1 A Crown Fit for a King

2 Camel Crunchies

3 Mini-Planetarium

4 Mapping Your Journey

5 Star Guides

6 “Looking for Jesus” Puzzle Plaques

7 “Let Your Light Shine” Frames

The “Stir Us to Deeper Discipleship at Home” reproducible sheet on page 30 is provided to givepeople an additional opportunity to consider God’s presence and activity in their own lives. It isdesigned to be a half-page “info-sheet” to send home with event participants, include in a wor-ship bulletin during the Eiphany season, or the beginning of a new calendar year. It includes areference to the Augsburg Fortress Online Store and highlights some of the resources they haveavailable on this topic.

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‘ C o m e ’ n J o i n t h e J o u r n e y ’ I n t r o d u c t i o n

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P r e p a r a t i o n s a n d S u p p l i e s● Several copies of the Lutheran Book of Worship● Piano or other form of accompaniment● Searchlight pattern sheet available at www.elca.org/eteam/2002CEProgramPlanner● Yellow and white poster board and construction paper● Scissors ● Markers● Overhead projector and transparency● The script for “Ali, the Camel’s Adventure, Part 1.”

Trace the star design from the pattern sheet onto an overhead transparency. Make at leastone large white star to hang or display in the center of your room. Other smaller stars may bemade out of yellow or white paper to define a stage area or decorate the room. Make copies ofthe Song and Blessing sheet for each participant. Review the script, gather the accessories andinvite someone to play the role of the camel as you prepare to present the skit, “Ali, the Camel’sAdventure, Part 1.”

C o m e ’ n J o i n t h e J o u r n e yOpening Song: “We Three Kings” (With One Voice, p. 646)Scripture: Matthew 2:1-11Skit: “Ali, the Camel ’s Adventure,” Part 1Introduction to Adventure CentersSong: “We Three Kings” (instrumental)

P r e p a r a t i o n s a n d S u p p l i e s

● Copies of the “Songs and Prayers” reproducible sheet (available on-line)● Several copies of the Lutheran Book of Worship● Piano or other form of accompaniment● Manger and baby● Several bathrobes or costumes for nativity characters● The script for “Ali, the Camel’s Adventure, Part 2”● Activity description sheet for “The Big Picture Party” available at

www.elca.org/eteam/2002CEProgramPlanner● Locate the song, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and “This Little Light of Mine.” ● Review the script and gather the necessary people and accessories to present the skit,

“Ali, the Camel’s Adventure, Part 2.” ● Lay out costumes and prepare to invite people to portray stable scene characters as you

celebrate Jesus, the Searchlight in our lives.

S e a r c h l i g h t C e l e b r a t i o nGathering Song: “Twinkle, Twinkle, Jesus Star” (“Songs and Prayers”sheets)Skit: Ali, the Camel ’s Adventure, Part 2 and the Big Picture PartyA Blessing for Those Who SearchClosing Song: “This Little Light of Mine” (LifeSongs, page 32)


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Searchlight celebrationSearchlight celebration

(Designed to be used during the Come ’n Join the Journey presentation)

S e t t i n g t h e S t a g e :

Design a simple camel costume for one or two people. Gather a few brown blankets or dye an old sheet. Theprofile of a camel head is available on the “Searchlight” pattern sheet for you to trace on a transparency andproject for use in making a camel headdress. The intent of this costume design is to use the blankets to coverthe bodies of one or more people to represent the body and hump of the camel. The camel head may beheld up in front of them to finish the costume.

S c r i p t :Camel: Hi, everyone, I would like to introduce myself; I’m Ali, the camel. I journeyed with three Wise

Men as we followed the star from the East to Bethlehem. I’ll let the kings tell you the story later.Except, I just have to tell you that these three guys weren’t really kings; in fact, we don’t evenknow for sure that there were three of them. But I can tell you one thing I know for a fact: theywere all scholars. Yup, they were some really smart guys all right, and they were really intostudying the stars. Stars were really important in those days, they were kinda like the Triple Atravel service today. The star studiers would give people directions for living based on wherethey were placed in the star sky. And they gave people all kinds of other information, like whenseasons of the year would most likely start and stop and things like that. Well, these guys foundout that there was a special star in the sky ’n they knew right away that it wasn’t like anythingthey’d ever seen before. They checked around and found out that it identified the birth of aspecial king. These guys got so excited when they saw this star that they decided they couldn’tjust look at the star, they had to go and try to find the King! In fact, that’s where they are right

now! They’ve gone ahead of us to Bethlehem. They may even be sleeping right now as theyget ready for the next part of their big journey. We’re going to join their journeyand have some fun and adventures of our own. We’ll go through several adven-

ture centers as we try to catch up with them. We’ll do some crafts and activities andcollect a snapshot or two to put in your “Sights-to-See” picture album. Now your leader

will give you your actual travel itinerary, but I can tell you that you can put those snap-shots in any order you want. It’ll make it more fun when we get’em when we get toBethlehem ’cuz we’re gonna use those albums as game boards for the Bingo game at out

homecoming celebration. It doesn’t matter what order you put them in because we will usethem as part of a game as we close our time together. Ohhhhhh, dear, I’m getting sidetrackedalready; I hope I don’t get lost. You’ve just got to meet these guys; they have a really excitingstory to tell. At least it was exciting for them. But between you and me—I just gotta tell you—itwas a whole lot of work for me luggin’ all those guys and their luggage around. Even so, thisjourney was like no other one that I’ve ever been on. I learned a lot about this very special babyKing that was born in Bethlehem. In fact, I think he grew up to be a very important person forall of you and everyone else that has ever lived. Oh, no, I’m sorry, I’m getting ahead of myselfagain. Are you all ready for the journey? Did you make your crown and crunchies? Well, thengrab your camel and let’s begin our very own adventure! (Saunters off the stage)


Skit A l i , t h e C a m e l ’ s A d v e n t u r eSkitP A R T 1 : G r a b Y o u r C r o w n ’ n C o m e O n A l o n g !

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P A R T 2 : T h r e e W i s e G u y s a n d a V e r y T i r e d C a m e l

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S e t t i n g t h e S t a g e :Gather the characters and props for the nativity scene a little off from the center of the stage. Arrange for theskit characters to stand close to the star you displayed in the Join the Journey celebration.

C a s t :Wise Guy 1, Wise Guy 2, Wise Guy 3, Ali, the Camel

S c r i p t :Ali: (Aside) Hi, remember me? I’m Ali, the camel. Hey! In case you haven’t noticed we made it all

the way to Bethlehem. And there they are — over there. The three wise guys! They’re theones who had me carry stuff all the way to Bethlehem. (Yawns) Now you can see why I’m stilltrying to recover from the journey.

Let me introduce you to these guys. Then they can tell you all about their journey toBethlehem. In fact, you can follow along because you’ve collected many snapshots from theirjourney on your “Sights-to-See” album. In fact, why don’t we just have a picture party andplay Bingo while we’re at it? Does everybody have their “Sights-to-See” albums? Then haveyour leader give you some sticky stars so that you can put one on a snapshot when you hearone of the wise guys talk about it. Listen carefully and when you have a star in each of thesquares going across or down, you can shout “Searchlight” and we’ll all respond by clappingfor you and saying “Yes! Jesus is our Searchlight!” Before we go any further, let’s practice that.Now if I get stars all the way down or across, I’ll say, “Searchlight!” and what will you say?(Optional: Should I give you a hint?) “Yes! Jesus is our Searchlight!”

OK! I think we’re ready! Let’s head on over to hear some of the adventures of those wiseguys (walks toward the wise guys). Look, they’re already busy talking. (Aside) They think they’reso smart and they don’t even realize that we’ve been having a little conversation of our ownover here!

Wise Guy 1: Hither look, we must take our rest so that on the morrow we can endeavor to follow the starto its noble conclusion.

Ali: (Aside) Oh, oh, here we go again with the smart-talk.

Wise Guy 2: OK, we know how smart you are!

All Wise Guys: That’s why they call us wise men.

Wise Guy 3: It’s almost daybreak, let’s get the tents out and get set up so that we don’t have to travel inthe heat of the day. We can start out again at sunset.

Ali: (Aside) You know, it’s kind of hard to travel during the day since we’re following a star like —in the sky available only at night. Have you found the snapshots of the WISE MEN, the CAMELand the STAR? Listen and learn.

Wise Guy 2: Let’s take out our star charts and see where we have been.

Wise Guy 1: OK, now, we started here in the East and we have been following the brightest star in the sky.

Ali: (Aside) Find the snapshot of the brightest star!


Wise Guy 3: You know guys, you are pretty smart.

All Wise Guys: That’s why they call us wise men!

Wise Guy 3: Like I said, I am having a rotten time following the star charts. It all looks like a great big hugepuzzle up there.

Wise Guy 2: Well, we started in the East, took a right at Cassiopeia, and kept following the bright star sowe can find this baby that has been born to be King of the Jews.

Ali: (Aside) All this travel to see a baby? I know these guys are supposed to be wise, but don’t youthink they could have just sent a gift by Federal Express? I’m getting very tired of traveling.Oh, by the way, did you find the snapshot with a BABY?

Wise Guy 1: You know, according to my calculations, we are in the vicinity of Jerusalem. We could stopthere and talk to Herod; he must know something about this baby.

Wise Guy 2: Good idea, and even if he doesn’t know, there should be other astronomers in Jerusalem thatmight know something about this star.

Wise Guy 3: We need to get these gifts to the baby and see what is so special about him that a star wouldlead us all the way here to see him.

Wise Guy 1: Speaking of gifts, are they still packed on the camel?

Ali: (Aside) They sure are! Hey, did you hear that? They said CAMEL. That’s me. Did you get thesnapshot of me? And if those guys don’t get a move on, the wrapping paper will get allcrumpled.

Wise Guy 2: Yes, my gift of gold is the best thing I could give. It is a gift of respect that will mean a wholelot to a king. It glitters and shines, and he can store it and count his wealth whenever hewants.

Wise Guy 2: The gift of frankincense is the best thing I could bring; it is a costly perfume. Kings LOVEexpensive perfume. I know this King will love my gift.

Wise Guy 3: The gift of myrrh—a burial spice—may seen very odd, but it is expensive and only the wealthiest of kings can afford it. It isn’t something the King can use now, but it is a gift thatshows great respect.

Ali: (Aside) Wow! Those sound like expensive gifts. Gold, frankincense and myrrh. Have you foundthe snapshots of these GIFTS? One thing I know, this baby that was born in Bethlehem. . .There’s another one! Do you see a snapshot of BETHLEHEM? He didn’t grow up to be the kindof king that was impressed with expensive gifts or splendid surroundings. He was the kind ofperson that was more impressed with who a person was and how a person lived their life andwhat was in their heart than what kind of “stuff” they owned or if he received an expensivepresent from them.

Wise Guy 2: I believe that this King, born in Bethlehem, may not be a “crown” sort of king, but a King ofsomething bigger.

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continuedS k i t

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Wise Guy 3: Hey, let’s go look and see. Over there! The star is shining over a stable. (Walks over to thestable/manger scene) Look, in the manger! It’s a baby! Let’s go over and see if it’s the King sowe can worship him. Let’s continue on this journey. I am excited to find this child and gohome a different way to tell people the story of how we followed the star to find the greatestKing of all.

Ali: Did you hear that? Another adventure. After this one, we’ll be going a different way to tellour story. Do you see a snapshot of that road sign and the stable? Hey! And we know thatthis story isn’t just a story. It’s part of God’s story and it is recorded in Matthew 2:2. There’sanother one. Do you have a snapshot of Matthew 2:2? The Wise Men followed a light in thesky—a star. We have our own light; we have Jesus. Jesus is a light for our lives, a light to findour way in a world that is filled with uncertainty. Jesus is our star! He still shines for us today!


3

Stir us to deeper discipleship. . .Stir us to deeper discipleship. . .Augsburg Fortress books bring light to your Epiphany observance andinspiration for your life journey. Visit the Online Store at www.augsburgfortress.org.

For answers to “What’s my place in God’s plan?”Your Call is WaitingTerry-Anne PrestonQuestions, charts, lists and contemplation of biblical examples of call-ing will help individuals or groups discern their own call from God. 0-8066-4160-6

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For a read-aloud story to bring light and faithBrother Gabriel and the Secret of ChristmasBob HartmanJoin Brother Gabriel on a journey into light and love 10 breathtakingchapters for families to read together and talk about (ages 7-10).0-8066-3887-7

Celebrate and understand Epiphany

. . .as we journey through Epiphany

We’re all on a journey through life and every choice we makeshapes the paths we take.

A couple of Sundays after Christmas, a pastor highlighted the storyof the Wise Men (Matthew 2: 1-11) in her sermon. She concluded herthoughts for the day with the following statement.

Just as the Wise Men, we, too, must prayerfully choose our “Bethlehem stars” and journey in faith.

Just as the Wise Men chose a star to lead them, we identify peopleand points of reference to influence the decisions we make and thedirections we take. Take a moment to list a few of yours.

The word epiphany marks a season of light, revealing Jesus Christas the “light of the world.” It gives occasion for the star that led theWise Men to Bethlehem and the inspiration God’s Word provides forour lives today.

Make stars on adhesive notes and display the following verses inhighly visible places to remind you of God’s promise to love, lead,guide and walk beside you!

Psalm 8

Hebrews 12:1-2a

Proverbs 3:5-6

Hebrews 13:5b

Proverbs 16:9

Here Comes Jesus! is a cross between a variety show and a Sunday school Christmas program. It isdesigned to be a multi-sensory presentation highlighting the characteristics of discipleship mod-eled in the life and ministry of Jesus. It provides a backstage workshop for children, youth andadults to nurture their own understanding of and commitment to discipleship as they prepare topresent this program. Here Comes Jesus! was designed to be featured during the season of Lent,but the content is appropriate for presentation at any time of the year.

Here Comes Jesus! “At-A Glance” (page 32), scans the flow and content for a 45-60 minuteprogram. The outline interweaves a collection of vignettes, songs, narrations and small grouppresentations that highlight some of the key events in the life of Christ, from his birth through hisdeath and resurrection. A scripted outline of the program is provided on page 34 of thisresource. This version includes a brief reference to the key components of the program. It is avail-able for you to download and adapt at www.elca.org/eteam/2002CEProgramPlanner along witha Here Comes Jesus! “Backstage Guide” that provides a complete description of each programoffering. As you scan the resource in its entirety, you will find that most of the recommendedprops and supplies are easy to obtain. The majority of the songs are taken from the Worship &Praise Songbook published by Augsburg Fortress, 0-8066-3850-8.

The “Stir Us to Deeper Discipleship” reproducible sheet (page 38), is designed to give fami-lies of all shapes and sizes an additional opportunity to think of Jesus during Lent. It is intendedto be a half-page “info-sheet” to insert in your Here Comes Jesus! program guide or a worshipbulletin during the season of Lent. It includes a reference to the Augsburg Fortress Online Storeand highlights some of the resources they have available on this topic.

B e f o r e Yo u B e g i nAs you preview this program, you will want to think through how it will fit into your context.

1. Consider your pool of potential participants. It is a tradition in many congregations to present Sunday school programs, but very few haveprovided occasions for children, youth and adults to prepare major presentations together. Whatis the feasibility of actually gathering such a group together in your congregation? You may wish to have people pre-register for participation so you can assess how the group willwork together. Discovering the number of children, youth, adults and families interested inattending can be helpful as you plan a version of the program that will honor their level ofunderstanding and ability to share the various components.

2. Assess your needs for leadership and coordination. Outlining your needs for leadership and assistance is only part of the preparation necessary whenyou recruit volunteers. Identifying the gifts of the youth and adults in your congregation is also


continued

Module 4

A n i n t e r g e n e r a t i o n a l p r o g r a m a n d

B a c k s t a g e W o r k s h o p f o r L e n t

Here comes Jesus!Here comes Jesus!


important. Giving people opportunities to do the things they have a passion or gift to do willturn the task into a privilege. Gathering a planning team will give you a sense of partnership andsupport as you delegate the various tasks involved.

3. Maximize your potential for preparation.Design a model for your program preparation that will make maximum use of the participantsattending. You might do an initial Backstage Workshop to introduce the theme and content ofthe program and begin the small group work necessary to prepare for each program. An outline for a Backstage Workshop is provided on page 33. It is also available atwww.elca.org/eteam/2002CEProgramPlanner to download and adapt. Additional rehearsals maybe necessary for the music and drama groups. You may also wish to schedule a dress rehearsalprior to your program.

4. Design your program to fit the most appropriate presentation time.When are special programs usually presented in your congregation? During a Sunday or mid-week worship service? On a Sunday afternoon or evening? The program outlined in this resourcewill take approximately 45-60 minutes to present. Feel free to adapt it accordingly.

H e r e C o m e J e s u s !

“At-A-Glance”

Prelude

Opening Dialogue

Pantomime #1 Birth

Song: “Shine, Jesus Shine!”

Pantomime #2 Blessing

Presentation #1 Jesus Was A Little Boy

Pantomime #3 Baptism “Now & Then”

Presentation #2 Baptized Children of God

Presentation #3 Disciple = Follower I

Song: “Step By Step”

Presentation #4 Disciple = Follower II

Song: “Faith Walkin’ People”

Presentation #5: Jesus’ Hands and Feet

Song: “Make Me a Servant”

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Presentation #6: Parable

Presentation #7: Prayer

Song: “Lord, Listen to Your

Children”

Presentation #8: Palm Sunday

Song: “King of Kings”

Pantomime #4 The Last Supper

Song: “Here is Bread”

Pantomime #5 Communion Today

Presentation #9 Cross Processional

Song: “Were You There?”

(Instrumental)

Pantomime #6 Easter Morning

Song: “Go Tell”

continuedH e r e c o m e s J e s u s !

4

P l a n n i n g A B a c k s t a g e W o r k s h o pA Backstage Workshop provides an occasion for you to introduce “Here Comes Jesus!” and jump-start the variety of preparations necessary to present it. Set aside about two hours for this event.The proposed schedule includes craft and music sessions for everyone and recommends specifictracks for preschool, music, drama and intergenerational offerings. Be sure to consider youthinvolvement in the music and drama tracks.

As individuals and families arrive for the workshop, you may want to give them a “BackstagePass” that reflects their area of interest and expertise. (See sample “Backstage Pass” on-line.) Besure to invite both youth and adults to help coordinate the activities in each track.

B a c k s t a g e W o r k s h o p S c h e d u l e

15 minutes Large group introduction to Here Comes Jesus!30 minutes Track Time30 minutes Prop Construction/Refreshment Break30 minutes Track Time15 minutes Music Time

B a c k s t a g e W o r k s h o p T r a c k s

Preschool/Parent Track

Backstage Pass #1: Jesus Was a Little Boy

Backstage Pass #2: Baptized Children of God

Drama Track

Backstage Pass #1: Pantomimes

Backstage Pass #2: A Parable (“Jesus Hands and Feet” Vignette)

Music Track

Backstage Pass #1 & 2: Special Music

Intergenerational Track (Elementary to Adult)

Backstage Pass #1: Disciple = Follower 1 and 2

Backstage Pass #2: Prayer

Note: The Palm Sunday and cross processionals will be addressed during the Prop Construction time.


4


Prelude: “Step By Step” (Worship & Praise, page 132) (instrumental variations)

Narrator A: Stories! Stories! Stories! True stories! Love stories! Stories of history, adventure and mystery.The Bible tells God’s story about God’s people, their lives and faith journeys, their accom-plishments and mistakes. It talks about God’s understanding love, the coming of God’s Son.

Narrator B: Jesus came as a babe, the boy in the temple—a carpenter’s son, a teacher, a healer, God’sonly Son. He is our Savior, the long-expected one, the one through whom salvation wouldcome.

Narrator A: “The Lord himself will give you a sign,” said the prophet Isaiah 700 years before Christmastime. A young woman will have a son and everyone will call him Emmanuel.

Narrator B: Emmanuel?

Narrator A: Yes! It means God is with us through the coming of His Son.

(Pantomime #1: Mary and Joseph are positioned next to a manger. Joseph lifts the baby out ofthe manger and gives him to Mary to hold.)

Narrator B: Though people were reminded in the Old testament to prepare, many really didn’t seem tocare. That’s why Jesus came with God’s grace and love to share.

Narrator A: Yes! After all, He is God’s Son! Arise! Let’s shine! For our light has come!

Congregational “Shine, Jesus Shine!” (Worship & Praise, page 123)

Song (Program participants may process during this time.)

Narrator B: And just as many of us were baptized as babes, Jesus was blessed by a man named Simeon.

(Pantomime #2: Simeon stands center stage as Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to him for a bless-ing. Simeon upholds him with his arms outstretched.)

Jesus even went to the temple to learn about God’s people and God’s story, just like childrendo today in Sunday school. And as he grew, he probably dreamed of being a carpenter, too.Look! Here come some people with tools. What do you think they are up to?

Presentation #1 Jesus Was a Little Boy

Young children and their dads/parents will present a little rhyme (and sing the following song)about Jesus and his father doing carpentry. Go on-line to find a complete description of this pres-entation in the Here Comes Jesus! Backstage Guide.

Song: “Jesus Worked in Many Ways” (available on-line)

Narrator A: And when it was time for Jesus to begin his work and ministry, he was baptized in theJordan River by his cousin, John the Baptist.

(Pantomime #3a: (Optional) An adult Jesus kneels next to John as he scoops water in his handsand pour it over Jesus.)

Narrator B: Do you know when you were baptized? Was it outside, in a river, like Jesus or in a font atchurch, like the one over there?

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Here comes Jesus!Here comes Jesus! P r o g r a m O u t l i n e

4

(Pantomime #3b: A parent and an older child stand around the baptismal font as a pastorsplashes water on the children, marks the sign of the cross on their foreheads and gives the par-ents a baptismal candle or blanket, or whatever your congregation does.)

Where did it take place (name of your congregation)? Who do you think was there? Andwhat do you think they saw? Do you think they saw the pastor splashing you and markingthe sign of the cross on your forehead (gesture this activity), sealing you as loved, forgivenand welcomed to be a part of God’s loving family? I see some pom poms; I think it’s timefor a cheer. Shout it loud, so we can hear!

Presentation #2 Baptized Children of God

Young children and their parents will do a cheer about being a child in God’s family and sing thefollowing song. Go on line to find a complete description of this presentation in the Here ComesJesus! Backstage Guide.

Song: “Kids of the Kingdom” (LIfeSongs, page 132)

Narrator A: I have a riddle for you! Who followed Jesus without fussin’? If you count them - there’s adozen. Need a cue? The next group will portray these men. They were the disciples.Remember them? They were the first people Jesus asked to follow him.

Presentation #3 Disciple = Follower I

A group of older children, youth and adults portray themselves to be Jesus’ first disciples. Go on-line to find a complete description of this presentation in the Here Comes Jesus! Backstage Guide.

Congregational “Step By Step” (Worship & Praise, page 132)

Song

Narrator B: Not all the disciples were fishermen. Matthew was a tax collector before he decided to fol-low Jesus, and Simon was a military man. Today, we have lots of job responsibilities that canbecome super ministries.

Narrator A: Ministries? What’s a ministry?

Narrator B: It’s a commitment to follow Jesus and help others along the way. Here’s a few disciples youmight recognize today. They’re dressed to show you what they do.

Presentation #4 Disciple = Follower II

A group of children, youth and adults portray characters with different occupations and identifythemselves to be examples of followers of Jesus today. Go on-line to find a complete descriptionof this presentation in the Here Comes Jesus! Backstage Guide.

Song: “Faith Walkin’ People” (available on-line)

Narrator A: For three years, Jesus and his disciples were busy doing special ministries. Jesus healed manypeople. He made the blind to see, the crippled to walk, and the sad or lonely to be happy.He surprised people with many miracles. He fed 5,000 people with five fish and a few loavesof bread. He loved people no one seemed to love before. Lots of people’s lives werechanged, more and more each day.

We have the opportunity to be Jesus’ disciples today. We are his hands and feet to helpthose in need and his voice for sharing words of hope, love and encouragement. Let’s take alook at some modern day examples of Jesus’ ministry.


4


continuedP r o g r a m o u t l i n e

Presentation #5: “Jesus Hands and Feet” Vignette

(A skit presented by a group of children, youth and adults. It features an interview with variousparts of the body of Christ. Go on line to find a complete description of this presentation in theHere Comes Jesus! Backstage Guide.)

Song: “Make Me a Servant” (Worship & Praise, page 96)

Narrator B: Jesus was a teacher, too. Many times he would tell stories and refer to things that werefamiliar to people, like seeds and growing things.

Narrator A: He said that faith was like a mustard seed because it often starts small and grows to becomean amazingly big plant. He also talked about soil and farming. He said our hearts need tobe like good soil, not rocky with attitudes that won’t let the Word sink in and take root, orfull of weeds with obstacles and other temptations that can choke the life out of it. We arecalled to be good listeners and willing followers as we understand God’s plan for us.

Narrator B: In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus illustrates a lesson he wants to teach people by referring to ashepherd separating the sheep from the goats. (Read verses 31-40 as a lead-in to this con-temporary interpretation.) Here’s a version of a parable Jesus might have told today.

Presentation #6: The Visitor

(A mini-play that includes a mother, father, two children and three visitors. Go on line to find acomplete description of this presentation in the Here Comes Jesus! Backstage Guide.)

Narrator A: Conversations are really important; in fact, we can say up to 40,000 words a day. Jesustalked to people about lots of things and he often took time to talk to God. Thank God,Jesus taught us how to pray.

Congregational “Lord, Listen to Your Children” (Worship & Praise, page 91)Song

Presentation #7: Prayer

(With an initial reference to the first disciples’ request for Jesus to teach them how to pray, agroup of children, youth and adults may share some prayers of thanks and praise, repentanceand requests.)

Narrator B: Jesus traveled many miles, down many roads and through lots of towns. He didn’t go byplane or train. He’d walk the dusty roads or sail in a boat across the Sea of Galilee. And on onevery special day, Jesus rode through the city of Jerusalem on a donkey. As He rode along, peo-ple waved palms and sang psalms. It was almost like a parade. Let’s join in the celebration!

Presentation #8: Palm Sunday

(Children, youth and adults process around the room as they wave palm branches and sing thefollowing song. The congregation may be asked to sing along.)

Congregational “King of Kings” (Worship & Praise, page 80)Song:

Narrator A: A king riding on a donkey?!! Why not in a chariot or on a marquee? Many people just don’tseem to understand. They wanted a king who was mighty and grand. Crucify him! Thatwas their plan. They wanted a different kind of man.

Narration B: But that’s all to come. First, let’s join Jesus and those 12 special men as they go to theUpper Room to begin the meal to remembered for all time.

Song: “Here is Bread” (Worship & Praise, page 58)

(Pantomime #4: Several disciples are sitting around Jesus. Jesus lifts up a loaf of bread towardthe heavens, breaks it and gives it to his disciples. Then, he takes a goblet with grape juice, lifts ittoward the heavens and shares it with his disciples.)

Immediately followed by:

(Pantomime #5: Four to six people of all ages come and stand around a modern-day pastor ashe or she blesses the bread and wine and shares it with them in a way that is familiar to thepeople in your congregation.)

Narrator A: It was all a part of God’s promise, a part of God’s plan. In John 3:16 it says that God lovedthe people of the world so much that God sent God’s only Son to die for us so that anyonewho believes and is baptized can be saved.

Narrator B: Criminals are not crucified anymore. In Jesus’ day, it was a pretty common way for criminalsto die. Jesus challenged the people of his day with his love and faithful ways. He wasn’t justlike anyone else who had come along. He actually did no wrong. The leaders were just tooafraid that he’d become too popular and strong. It was beyond their ability to believe thatJesus had truly come to pay the price for everyone’s sin. They could not accept that it wasGod’s love that sent God’s Son for our salvation. Let’s pause for a moment and reflect uponthe power and wonder of the cross as we view crosses that symbolize God’s love and gracetoday.

Song: “Were You There?” (instrumental) (Lutheran Book of Worship, page 92)(A group of children, youth and adults or families, process with a variety of crosses while thesong is played. They remain in front of the congregation with their crosses uplifted until the songis over. Then they leave in silence.)

Narrator A: And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen.And they were saying to one another, ’Who will roll away the stone?’ And, looking up, theysaw the stone was rolled back. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on theright side, dressed in a white robe and they were amazed! And they said to them:

(Pantomime #6: A light shines from within a cardboard tomb. Two women come up to thetomb, and an angel comes up to them and gestures to them that Jesus is no longer in the tomb.)

Narrator B: Do not be afraid! You seek Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified? He is not here! He is risen!Go! Tell the disciples!

Narrator A: The women ran to tell the disciples the Good News on that first Easter Day and that’s whatstarted the ol’ ball rolling! Jesus later expanded the command. In Matthew 28:19-20, he said,

“I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Go, then, to all peoples everywhereand make them my disciples; baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son and the HolySpirit, and teach them to observe all that I have commanded you. And I will be with youalways, to the end of the age.”

Narrator B: And, that’s exactly what people who live on this side of the resurrection have been doingever since! As the Holy Spirit continues to flow through the words, deeds and hearts ofGod’s people, we can be assured of God’s amazing love and many blessings as we go intoall the world and ask others to follow him. Ready? Let’s go!

CongregationalSending Song: “Go! Make Disciples” (Worship & Praise, page 47)


“Jesus went all over Galilee, teach-ing in the synagogues, preachingthe Good News about the Kingdom,and healing people who had allkinds of disease and sickness”

—Matthew 4:23

Stir us to deeper discipleship. . .Stir us to deeper discipleship. . .

Augsburg Fortress provides books to guide your walk through Lentand bring you new understandings about Jesus and the depth of hislove for you. Visit the Online Store at www.augsburgfortress.org.

For a daily guide to Lent and to MatthewJourneying Through Lent With MatthewAndrew RognessGospel readings light the way through Lent for individuals or groupswith reflection questions and prayers. 0-8066-4266-1

For an illustrated biography by kidsJesus, This is Your LifeJeff Kunkel, EditorGet to know Jesus through the fresh insights and images of kidsGospel stories retold for adults and children alike. Then create yourown “Jesus biography.” 0-8066-4165-7

For family activities during LentFamily Countdown to EasterDebbie Trafton O’NealA daily activity book to help families mark each day of Lent withactivities, recipes, fascinating facts, crafts and stickers (ages 6-9).0-8066-3827-3

. . .as we walk through the season of Lent“It’s Spring!” That’s what the word “lent” means! In fact, long agothe word was used to identify the time of the year when the light ofday begins to lengthen.

The season of Lent in our church year marks a time when welengthen or increase our knowledge and understanding about Godand the depth of God’s love through the life, death and resurrectionof Jesus.

Even though Jesus was 100% God, he was also 100% man. Heexperienced many of the same things we do!

Read some of the following Bible stories and take a moment tocomment on their similarities and differences.

Birth Luke 2:1-20Baptism Matthew 3:13-17Church School Luke 2: 41-47Temptation Matthew 4:1-11 Helping Others John 13:2-5,12-15Prayer Time Luke 11:1-4Loving Others John 15:12Sharing Faith with Mark 10:13-16Friends and Family

Get to know his story and you’ll discover that many of the things thatJesus did are the same ones he asks his disciples “then and now” to do!

Celebrate and understand Jesus!

Focus on this design. What do you see? Can you identify the letters J-E-S-U-S? Once you do, it’s something you can’t help but see! Clip itfor display in a highly visible place to prompt you to place Jesus in thecenter of all you say and do!

Planning calendarPlanning calendar


Reformation Sunday

All Saints Sunday

1st Sunday in Advent

14–Holy Cross Day

Christ the King

Notes, reminders and connect ions




Martin Luther’s Birthday


6–The Epiphany of Our Lord

The Baptism of Our Lord

Use these pages to plan and schedule you congregation’s activities and offerings in Christian education and disci-pleship. Use the left side of the planning sheet to highlight emphases, thematic planning and special events. Theright side of the sheet is a place for reminders, notes and connections to other areas of congregational life.Complete the calendar before distributing to teachers, staff and other congregational leaders.

SEPTEMBER 2002

18152229

OCTOBER 2002

6

13

20

27

NOVEMBER 2002

3

10

17

24

DECEMBER 2002

1

8

15

22

29

JANUARY 2003

5121926


Palm Sunday

The Day of Pentecost

The Presentation of Our Lord





5–Ash Wednesday

Easter Sunday:The Resurrection of our Lord

Holy Trinity




First Sunday in Lent

25–The Annunciation of our Lord

The Ascension of our Lord

JULY 2003

6132027

FEBRUARY 2003

291623

MARCH 2003

2

9

16

23

30

APRIL 2003

6

13

20

27

MAY 2003

4

11

18

25

JUNE 2003

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29

AUGUST 2003

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R e p r o d u c i b l e C l i p A r t


P R A Y

W O R S H I P I N V I T E

ENCOURAGE S E R V E

G I V E

Faith Practices

S T U D Y

Stir Us - ELCA Resource Repository Resource Repository... · One minister, after each baptism,...

Documents

Transcript of Stir Us - ELCA Resource Repository Resource Repository... · One minister, after each baptism,...